"There's two parts why Carver makes the most sense,'' Chiappetta said the decision to locate the Cohen Center there. "One is we've already developed a partnership with Carver. The second reason is with Chelsea being from Norwalk, and all that she stood for as an athlete and as a young lady, it makes the most sense. This is a building that hopefully people will understand her story. It's truly fitting that Carver is the first home for this."

The FCSC announced last summer it would create the fitness academy in recognition of Cohen, a former Norwalk High soccer star who died in 2006 after a courageous bout with a rare form of cancer. The Carver Center will grant the Cohen Academy periodic use of its facility for fitness programs. The Cohen Academy is a collaborative effort to give underserved young people access to an active and healthy lifestyle. It is designed to help community members promote children's health and fight childhood obesity.

"We don't want to monopolize the facility, Chiappetta said. We realize there are a lot of programs already in place at Carver. We're going to use as many places as we can. Having a home in Norwalk, where we know we have a true partner, is a positive step."

The FCSC is updating its website to promote Academy programs. It will provide fitness tips, educational tools and information on programs available for youth.

The FCSC awarded grant money to the three agencies because all have been community resources that have enriched the lives of children in their towns. The FCSC is a non-profit organization that is a one-stop resource for the sports community. Its mission is promoting fitness and personal development through sports.

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